Orono's 'Stillwater River Trail' Holiday Lights Display To Open

Update: Because of the wet weather that's expected, organizers have postponed the opening of the trail until Thursday.

Started as a way to social distance but still enjoy a holiday lights adventure, the "Stillwater River Trail" Holiday Lights Display will open for its 3rd year this Wednesday, (now Thursday) and organizers are saying this year it's bigger and better than ever!

Stillwater River Trail Holiday Lights Display5, Stillwater River Trail Little Free Library

Located near Brown's Beach off of Bennoch Rd in Orono (if you put in 92 Bennoch Rd it will take you to where you need to go) this particular light display is a fun way to check out some fabulous lights on foot. It's especially great if you have kids who like to get out of the car every once in a while to stretch their legs.

According to the Stillwater River Trail Facebook Page, it's through the help of many dedicated volunteers that this display takes shape each year.

Stillwater River Trail Holiday Lights Display1, Stillwater River Trail Little Free Library

"A lot of work goes into the light display and it is located on private property. Please be respectful of the displays and trail. We appreciate the enthusiasm about the displays but must tell you that they cannot hold the weight of your child, no matter how cute or tempting it may seem to try."

Having been through this display each year since it started, here are some tips and tricks that will make sure you have a successful visit.

First, you'll want to try to park down at Browns Beach.

Stillwater River Trail Holiday Lights Display 4, Stillwater River Trail Little Free Library

There is extra parking down at the water district, but that can be a bit of a walk, and a dark one at that.

This brings me to my second tip: make sure you bring a flashlight or two.

Stillwater River Trail Holiday Lights Display3, Stillwater River Trail Little Free Library

While the display itself is nice and bright, the walk from the parking lot to the display can be a bit on the dim side.

Third tip: dress appropriately.

Stillwater River Trail Holiday Lights Display 6, Cori Skall

I think the organizers said it best when they wrote:

"This is an outdoor nature walk. There WILL be mud, ice, and uneven ground. Dress warm and wear winter boots. We know you want to look cute in your designer booties but it’s a bad idea, Karen. And we don’t want to hear it when they get ruined. "

Fourth tip: give other walkers with animals some space.

Stillwater River Trail Holiday Lights Display2, Stillwater River Trail Little Free Library

Organizers say that dogs and cats are welcome, but make sure you have them leashed and clean up after them. A good grip on your leash is a smart idea, too, as there are some spots that are just fine, but there are others that are more on the narrow side.

Fifth and final tip: Make sure to pack your camera.

Stillwater River Trail Holiday Lights Display 7, Cori Skall

Speaking from experience, this is a particularly cool little trail that provides plenty of stops along the way for great holiday photos. Who knows, you might actually catch everyone with a smile on their face, and find a Christmas Card-worthy shot at this particular spot.

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Once the lights are officially lit this Wednesday, they will run each night through the month of December. The hours of operation will be Sunday-Thursday 4 PM till 9 PM and Fridays & Saturdays 4 PM till 11 PM.

And don't forget to enter your holiday lights display into our "Light Up Eastern & Central Maine" contest for a chance at $500. Click here to find out more!

Listeners Show Us Their Beautiful Christmas Tree Displays

With the holiday season upon us, it seemed like the perfect time to have our listeners show us their Christmas trees and decorations, and boy did they ever. Enjoy these creative and festive displays! Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all. We received so many photo submissions, you can bet we will have another fun photo album coming your way soon,